More than 130 years old, Gruene Hall stands as a testament to long-gone rural life when the community dance hall was the community social hub. Though the cotton fields around Gruene have given way to development, the old hall still serves its original purpose, except the community has no geographic boundaries. less

More than 130 years old, Gruene Hall stands as a testament to long-gone rural life when the community dance hall was the community social hub. Though the cotton fields around Gruene have given way to ... more

Photo: Mysa

More than 130 years old, Gruene Hall stands as a testament to... Photo-3519047.55699 - seattlepi.com

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Tourists, locals and music fans, of all ages. It's a refuge for those uninterested in neighboring shops, a magnet for those who love roots music, be it local, regional or national.

Tourists, locals and music fans, of all ages. It's a refuge for those uninterested in neighboring shops, a magnet for those who love roots music, be it local, regional or national.

Photo: EDWARD A. ORNELAS, Eaornelas@express-news.net

Tourists, locals and music fans, of all ages. It's a refuge... Photo-1001445.55699 - seattlepi.com

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Shoppers walk the streets of Gruene Dec. 26, 2003. The historic area, anchored by Gruene Hall, has been growing since the late '70's yet has had to change little to accommodate the increased tourism.

Shoppers walk the streets of Gruene Dec. 26, 2003. The historic area, anchored by Gruene Hall, has been growing since the late '70's yet has had to change little to accommodate the increased tourism.

Gruene Hall patrons and United Way supporters had brunch to the sounds of Bret Graham and the Spirt Lifters, The Original Bells of Joy, and Selina Affram at the Gruene Hall Gospel Brunch as part of the Gruene Music Fest in New Braunfels. The Annual music festival in New Braunfels benefits the United Way of Comal County. less

Gruene Hall patrons and United Way supporters had brunch to the sounds of Bret Graham and the Spirt Lifters, The Original Bells of Joy, and Selina Affram at the Gruene Hall Gospel Brunch as part of the Gruene ... more

Photo: EN

Gruene Hall patrons and United Way supporters had brunch to the... Photo-409447.55699 - seattlepi.com

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Taboola Gallery Frame Item-85307.55699 - seattlepi.com

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Patrons hang out in Gruene Hall near New Braunfels.

Patrons hang out in Gruene Hall near New Braunfels.

Patrons hang out in Gruene Hall near New Braunfels. Photo-409444.55699 - seattlepi.com

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Mark M. Nelson is holding up his sketch book that is filled with sketches of bands that play at Gruene Hall.

Mark M. Nelson is holding up his sketch book that is filled with sketches of bands that play at Gruene Hall.

Mark M. Nelson is holding up his sketch book that is filled with... Photo-4046486.55699 - seattlepi.com

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Photo of entertainers who have played Gruene Hall line the walls.

Photo of entertainers who have played Gruene Hall line the walls.

Photo of entertainers who have played Gruene Hall line the walls. Photo-409437.55699 - seattlepi.com

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Willie Nelson performs at Gruene Hall in a benefit for flood victims in Comal County on Dec. 3, 1998.

Willie Nelson performs at Gruene Hall in a benefit for flood victims in Comal County on Dec. 3, 1998.

Lance Armstrong, right, and to his partner in the Tour de Gruene, John Korioth, at the awards ceremony in Gruene Hall. Armstrong won the race with a time of 56:31.

Lance Armstrong, right, and to his partner in the Tour de Gruene, John Korioth, at the awards ceremony in Gruene Hall. Armstrong won the race with a time of 56:31.

Photo: jdavenport@express-news.net

Lance Armstrong, right, and to his partner in the Tour de Gruene,... Photo-409448.55699 - seattlepi.com

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Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison visits with residents on a tour stop March 22, 2005, at Gruene Hall. The senator was traveling El Camino Real de los Tejas to commmorate its designation as a National Historic Trail. less

Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison visits with residents on a tour stop March 22, 2005, at Gruene Hall. The senator was traveling El Camino Real de los Tejas to commmorate its designation as a National Historic ... more